The Mt. Pleasant Figure Skating Club Learn to Skate USA program keeps skaters enthusiastic about learning from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals. Whether they dream of becoming a competitive figure skater or speed skater, joining a hockey team, or just skating for the fun of it, Learn to Skate USA is the place to start!

The mission of Learn to Skate USA is to provide a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating.

Objectives of Learn to Skate USA:

Teach children and adults the fundamentals of ice skating while building confidence and skills through each lesson.

Provide a progressive curriculum that ensures success from the first steps on the ice to the mastery of advanced skills.

Promote the health and fitness benefits of ice skating.

Equip each participant with the foundation necessary to reach their goal, be it recreational or competitive in nature.

About Our Program:

MPFSC hosts several Learn to Skate USA sessions each year. Classes run from 6:00 pm – 6:50 pm on either a Monday or Thursday evening or you can sign up for both nights and receive 1/2 of the second night’s lesson fee.

Classes include a 20 minute group lesson with a 20 minute supervised warm up/practice either before or after the structured lesson. The last 10 minutes of class will be dedicated to creating a group presentation to be given on testing day. [During the Winter 2018 session the last 10 minutes will be dedicated toward Ice Show Rehearsal]

Skaters are divided up by level, with the youngest skaters (5 and under) in Snowplow Sam and our most advanced in Pre-Freeskate. Skaters who are 6 or older who have not previously taken Learn to Skate USA Classes will be placed in Basic 1. Beginning skaters who are 16 or older will have the option of joining Basic 1 or Adult 1.

Each level has certain skills that must be mastered before moving up to the next. Testing is ongoing. Skaters are evaluated every class and moved up to the next skill level as soon as they have successfully completed the curriculum for their current class level. Once a skater “passes” their test they will receive a special Badge to honor their achievements.

Classes Offered: (Click links for curriculum details)

Snowplow Sam 1 – 4: (Ages 3 – 5) The Snowplow Sam levels are introductory classes divided into four progressive levels allowing children with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning the basic skills of skating. These classes are designed to help children 5 and younger develop the ABCs of movement – Agility, Balance, Coordination and speed. The ABCs are essential for developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. All classes will be taught in a safe and positive environment, incorporating fun and games making class time an enjoyable experience for all. Helmet Required.

Basic Skills 1 – 6: (Ages 6 and up) Basic Skills teaches the FUNdamentals of ice skating and provides the best foundation for figure skating, hockey, and speedskating. Six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, and turns. Upon completion of the Basic Skills 1-6 levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating. All classes will be well-structured with the focus on proper skill development taught in a positive, FUN, and social environment. Skaters will progress at their own rate and advance after skill mastery is demonstrated.

Discover, Learn and Play – Basic 1 and 2: These introductory levels allow new skaters with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning to skate.

FUNdamentals – Basic 3–6: These levels develop all of the fundamental skating skills on the ice. Focus is on learning the ABCs of basic athleticism: agility, balance, coordination and speed.

Pre-Freeskate: Divided into three sections: skating skills, spins and jumps. This level is designed to give skaters a strong foundation and it is at this point the skater can choose to pursue a recreational or competitive approach to the sport of figure skating.

Adult 1 – 6: The adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. Divided into six levels from basic skating to more advanced skills, adult skaters will progress at an individual rate while being challenged and motivated.

Costs & Fees:

Due to the higher cost of an 11 week class, we are allowing registrants of this session ONLY to pay their class fees in two installments. 1/2 due at registration, the remaining balance due on October 23, 2017. There will be a $5 discount if the total is paid in full at registration.

Winter 2018 (8 weeks): $104.00*/1 night –OR– $156.00*/2 nights

Spring 2018 (8 weeks): $104.00/1 night –OR– $156.00/2 nights

Annual Registration Fee: $16, required. Covers the cost of a US Figure Skating Learn to Skate USA membership. Membership year runs July 1-June 30. Skaters will receive a membership card, a copy of Learn to Skate USA: The Magazine, a Skater’s Record Book, a Parents Handbook and a welcome letter by mail once the registration has been processed by USFS.

Skate Rental: If you don’t have your own skates you can rent them from the ICE Arena for $1.00 per class.

*Winter 2018 Session will also include a small fee to help with the purchase of costumes for the Ice Show.

Class Fees may be paid by cash, check (payable to MPFSC), or credit/debit cards. Please note credit/debit transactions are subject to a $4 convenience fee.

Discounts:

Multi-class Discount: Sign up for both Monday and Thursday classes and receive 1/2 off the second night’s lessons.

Family Discount: Receive $5 off the registration fee for each additional family member from the same household participating in our Learn to Skate USA program. (Discount does not apply to the first family member).

Bridge Discount: Skaters participating in the MPFSC Bridge Program receive 1/2 off their Learn to Skate USA class fees.

Registration:

Online Registration is the fastest way to get your skater registered for Learn to Skate USA lessons! Just complete the forms online and submit. Once processed you will receive a confirmation of registration and a payment coupon via email for you to print and bring with you on the first night of classes. When you arrive all you’ll need to do is submit your payment, sign the required concussion form, and you’ll be on your way. Easy!

Walk in registration will be set up in the lobby of the ICE Arena on the first Monday and Thursday of each session from 5:15 – 6:00 pm. We will have registration forms at the door for you to fill out or you can print yours out beforehand and have it ready to go when you arrive (Please note, each skater participating in lessons will need their own form). Our volunteers will then work with you to get your skater signed up and ready to go.

Whether registering Online or In-Person please arrive at least 20-30 minutes before class to complete your registration and allow time to get skates on.

Late registrations are accepted during all sessions* with a pro-rated fee. Come visit us at the Learn to Skate cart near the rink doors to sign up. (*Please note the Winter 2018 may close registrations after the 2nd week due to Ice Show preparation).

Class Fees may be paid by cash, check (payable to MPFSC), or credit/debit cards. Please note credit/debit transactions are subject to a $4 convenience fee.

Refund Policy:

The MPFSC Board of Directors has deemed the Learn to Skate USA Refund policy is as follows:

“No refunds will be given after the second night of class for the skater. Amount refunded will be prorated based on what remains of session, Learn to Skate USA membership fee will not be refunded.”

Recommended Clothing List

Warm Gloves

Helmets are highly recommended and a good idea for new beginners. Please note they are required for all skaters 5 and under (bicycle helmets are acceptable)

Light Jacket or layered jackets

Light to medium weight socks that rise above the ankle (1 pair only)

Long sleeves and long pants (snow pants are acceptable for beginners).

Jeans are not recommended as they are restrictive.

Girls skirts or skating dresses may be worn with tights or leggings.

Does your skater want to compete or are you interested in a more 1:1 approach? Consider signing your skater up for our Bridge Program. Click here for more details!

Learn to Skate USA is the only ice skating program endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating.